Seven-year-old Ishank Singh has scripted history by becoming the youngest swimmer in the world to cross the challenging Palk Strait.
Hailing from Ranchi, the young prodigy swam nearly 29 kilometres from Talaimannar in Sri Lanka to Dhanushkodi in India in just 9 hours and 50 minutes, achieving the feat on April 30, 2026.
Battling strong currents and unpredictable sea conditions, Ishank’s achievement is being hailed as extraordinary, especially given the difficulty of the route, considered one of the toughest open-water swims in the region.
With this feat, he has been recognised by the Universal Records Forum as the “Youngest and Fastest Palk Strait Swimmer,” setting a new world record.
The Class 3 student trained rigorously for months, practising 4–5 hours daily under expert guidance, showcasing remarkable discipline and determination at such a young age.
His achievement has brought pride to the nation and stands as an inspiring example of courage, endurance, and dedication.
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